Stripping Paint from Wood Trim

Stripping paint from wood trim can be a satisfying weekend project because you see almost instantaneous results: naked wood trim. Remember to take precautions when you strip paint because paint strippers are strong chemicals. Always read the directions on the product that you've selected to use. You can't be too careful when it comes to stripping paint!

When using a paint stripper, be sure to work in a well-ventilated room, keep doors open, and, even on a cold day, crack open a nearby window for a source of fresh air. A breathing mask cuts down on the fumes you're exposed to, but you should also ventilate the space.

Get ready to strip paint from wood trim by filling your toolbox with the following items:

• Chemical stripper

• 2-inch blue painter's tape (or wider tape)

• Newspaper (optional)

• Goggles

• Breathing mask

• Latex gloves

• Old 2-inch paintbrush

• Putty knife (or plastic scraper)

• Steel wool pads

• Old toothbrush or any other small, stiff-bristled brush for grooves and corners

• Denatured alcohol

• Sponge

Before you begin stripping paint, open the windows and doors of the room you're working in. Put on the goggles, breathing mask, and protective gloves so that you can safely handle chemicals.

1. Tape the walls above and around the trim.

You may also want to protect your floor with a thick layer of newspapers.

2. Following the product directions, use an old paintbrush to apply the stripper to the surface of painted trim.

Work in a small section of trim to get a feel for the amount of time it takes for the paint to lift and peel off easily; you can increase the size of the section as you proceed around the room.

3. Let the stripper set according to the package instructions or until you see the paint beginning to bubble up.

If you let the stripper set too long, it will dry on the trim and be unworkable. After the paint has bubbled up and while the stripper is still wet, use a putty knife or a plastic scraper to scrape the paint off the surface. Take care not to gouge the scraper into the softened wood.

4. If the trim has layers of paint on it, repeat Steps 2 and 3 as many times as necessary in order to get down to the wood.

5. Clean up paint that didn't come off by wiping the stripped area with steel wool and/or a stiff toothbrush.

6. Dip a fresh, paint-free piece of steel wool into denatured alcohol and rub the area again to remove all traces of paint.

7. Wipe down the paint-free wood trim with a damp sponge.

8. Repeat Steps 2 through 7 on all trim in the room.

Make sure that the trim is completely dry before painting or staining it.